By Kayode Adeoti & Mumini AbdulKareem
A professor of Political Science, Hassan Saliu, has described the emergence of former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in next year’s election as one that has raised the stakes for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the race.
The APC affirmed President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja last week as its presidential candidate.
According to the political scientist in a telephone chart with our National Pilot on the issue last night, Atiku;s influence and connection coupled with his huge war chest and experience in the politics of the country will make the contest a very interesting one.
He said: With Atiku;s vast experience, contacts, experience and connection, he will defiantly raised the stakes for the election there is no doubt about that.
“I think the party has risen to the perception of people about it but for that to be visible; people are waiting to see what will happen now that the convention is over. I think those who have lost out in the process should work together with him so that they can face APC at the next general election.
“It was good that the process has come and gone and Atiku has emerged in a transparent process. All those that had lost out should consider the collective interest involve and work together to confront the APC at the poll.
“And like somebody has said, the emergence of Atiku has raised the stakes given the level of his experience, deep pocket and contact. He is going to give APC a good fight and that ultimately will be better for Nigerian democracy and will be a challenge to APC. The ruling party should also put their house in order and if they have been careless before, that should stop now because Atiku will give a good fight.”
